The 15-year-old from the Northern Rangers scored the invaluable opportunity after winning an Instagram competition held on the Qatar World Cup 2022 page.

"When I was younger and stuff, he was playing on the TV like in the World Cup so I remember him a lot especially when I was younger," Short said.

"In 2017, me and my cousins and family went to Sydney to see watch him play against Syria and he scored two goals so we all remember that.

"He's a legend of the game."

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In 30 minutes with Cahill, the young state representative got to pick the former Everton stalwart's brains for tips and tricks on how to take his game to the next level.

"I was shocked at the time, to be able to talk to him felt like surreal like I wouldn't imagine it so lucky to get that opportunity," Short said.

"He said like he always worked hard and whenever he had the chance to, he always used to play with a ball everyday even if it was just against a wall, he tried to do something every day.

"It was really exciting and something I'll remember forever, such a great memory to talk to him."

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The youngster is hopeful of applying those tips to his own burgeoning career.

As a young player for the Northern Rangers, Short's performances have impressed enough to see him represent the Tasmanian under-15s representative side.

"I've been playing since I was like five and I started getting into it when I was older, it's something I like doing," he said,

"I want to keep going as far as I can go and hopefully see how it ends up."

Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?

The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.

Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.

Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.